Eye on Southport
Southport local briefing: The Open travel, Merseyrail, housing and community updates
Here’s your Southport briefing, with the latest on The Open, transport, public services, housing and events across the area.
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Merseyrail warns of major disruption if RMT strike goes ahead during Open weekend
Merseyrail says services could be severely disrupted from Saturday 18 to Monday 20 July if planned RMT strike action proceeds. Weekend trains would focus on The Open, with a limited Southport line service calling at Liverpool Central, Blundellsands & Crosby, Hillside and Southport. The strike ballot closes at midday on Friday.
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Cabinet to consider early work on 230-home Sefton housing plan
Sefton Council’s Cabinet will consider allowing The Sovini Group to carry out early feasibility work on three council-owned sites in Ainsdale, Formby and Bootle. The proposals could support around 230 homes, including social rent and shared ownership. No development decision will be made yet, and future schemes would require planning permission.
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Merseyside Police assigned top Level One rating under new system
HMICFRS has placed Merseyside Police in Level One under its new Policing Performance System, the highest tier. The assessment recognises progress and continuous improvement, with no further intervention currently required. The force says it will continue strengthening local accountability, neighbourhood policing, response policing and support for victims and communities.
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The Open at Royal Birkdale day two: travel and town-centre guide
Visitors heading to the second championship day at Royal Birkdale are advised to use official Park & Ride sites, follow event signs and allow extra time. Hillside is the nearest station, while Southport Market is operating as a visitor hub. Residents should check transport updates as roads, rail and the town centre remain busy.
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Traffic queues build on Southport Coast Road as golf fans head for The Open
Queues built along Coast Road and Marine Drive as spectators travelled towards The Open’s Park and Ride site beside Adventure Coast. The journey from Weld Road to Ocean Plaza was reported to take around 25 minutes. Drivers are advised to follow official signs, avoid relying on satellite navigation and allow additional travel time.
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Firefighters tackle sand-dune fire off Thornbeck Avenue, Hightown
Firefighters dealt with a sand-dune fire off Thornbeck Avenue in Hightown after being alerted at 8.12pm on Tuesday. Three engines attended, using hose-reel jets and beaters to extinguish the flames by 10.44pm. Crews stayed overnight and remained on site Wednesday morning to check hotspots, damp down the area and make it safe.
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North West Bird Watching Festival returns to Martin Mere on 17 October 2026
WWT Martin Mere will host the North West Bird Watching Festival on 17 and 18 October, coinciding with the autumn arrival of pink-footed geese. The programme includes talks, guided walks, ringing demonstrations, photography activities, boat tours and canoe trips. Members receive entry through their membership; other tickets and activities have varying charges.
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Merseyrail to enforce non-folding e-bike ban from 1 January 2027
Merseyrail will prohibit non-folding e-bikes, modified models, conversion kits and separately carried detached batteries across its network from 1 January 2027. The decision follows a safety review of lithium-ion battery fires. Folding e-bikes, standard bicycles and approved mobility aids will remain permitted, while education and alternative arrangements are encouraged before enforcement begins.
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